Clients

At Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists we bring together compassion, experience and technology to give you and your pet the care they deserve. Please review this information to find out more about how we can help you and your pet, as well as frequently asked questions. You may also find helpful links to additional information you may need. For an inside look at our hospital, please click here.

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Appointments

Scheduling an Appointment

Patients are referred to GCVS by their family veterinarian. Typically your veterinarian will call or send us information collected on a referral form. The form will give us a brief history and describe your pet’s problem, as well as identify the appropriate specialty department to see your pet. Once your family veterinarian has made a referral, please call us at 713-693-1111 to schedule your appointment.

Prior to Your Visit

We recommend that you download our new patient forms to help expedite your check in process. These forms can be found under our Specialties page within each individual section.

Day of Your Initial Visit

Please check in at the reception desk for the department your appointment is scheduled with and let them know that you have arrived.

Please bring all pertinent information with you, including all forms you may have completed, any medical records not previously provided by your family veterinarian, and any radiographs you have been provided.

Please continue all medications as previously prescribed and scheduled by your family veterinarian. You may also bring those medications with you to your appointment so that we can have a copy of what medications you are currently administering.

We ask that you withhold food from your pet for 12 hours prior to your appointment. This will give us the opportunity to perform potential diagnostics without concern. In cases of young patients, or patients with diabetes, please consult with your family veterinarian before withholding food, or feel free to call us for further information.

Please do not withhold water; this will not interfere with our ability to perform diagnostics.

All recommendations are based on a typical referral. Please disregard if directed otherwise.

Upon Arrival

Please check in at the reception desk for the department your appointment is scheduled with and let them know you have arrived. At that time, please hand them all pertinent medical records, radiographs and any forms you have already completed.

After you check in with the receptionist, the doctor and their technician, will meet with you and your pet to perform a physical exam, obtain a complete medical history, and evaluate your pet’s condition. The doctor may also perform additional examinations or diagnostics in one of our diagnostic areas.

At this point, our team will put together an assessment of your pet’s treatment options, plans and costs. The doctor and technicians will discuss this assessment with you, and together you will agree to a treatment plan for your pet.

Cost of Care

We are committed to providing the highest level of care for you and your pet. As a veterinary specialty practice, GCVS is staffed by highly-skilled, board-certified veterinary specialists and technicians. Our equipment and technology is state-of-the-art and is continuously upgraded as technology changes. Many treatments and procedures are complex and involve the attention of multiple skilled professionals. Additionally, we operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week, so that your pet receives high quality, continuous care.

We will provide you with an estimate of the cost of care for your pet to the fullest extent possible. Due to the unpredictable nature of some conditions, the course of treatment and outcome with accompanying cost cannot be fully predicted. Before treatment begins, the medical team will provide you with a recommended treatment plan and expense summary. Once you agree to a plan, you will be asked to sign the estimate and make a deposit.

If your pet requires hospitalization, we will update you with your financial status. The following specialties provide daily financial updates: Cardiology, Critical Care, Dermatology & Allergy, Diagnostic Imaging, Internal Medicine, and Oncology. This is our way of keeping you up to date with the expenses incurred, and helps you be aware of your financial commitments daily. Please share all of your questions and concerns regarding costs with your doctor or technician. It is important that your medical team has a clear understanding of your wishes before any course of treatment is undertaken.

Description Of Deposits

Payment is due at the time of services rendered. A deposit will be required if your pet is hospitalized and for certain procedures and treatments.

4. When you see our red and white sign on the ground that reads, “Veterinary Hospital Entrance” (see below) turn right into the driveway. Drive across the bridge to our building, parking is available anywhere around the building.

If You Are Coming From the South

1. Take the 610 West Loop north to the SAN FELIPE exit.

2. Stay on the feeder road, moving into the far right lane and continue straight through the intersection at Post Oak.

3. Follow the same instructions in numbers 3 and 4 from above.

FAQ

What is the difference between a family veterinarian and a veterinary specialist?

A family veterinarian and a veterinary specialist both have earned their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), requiring an undergraduate degree, 4 years of veterinary college, professional training and then successful completion of the state and national licensing boards.

A veterinary specialist has typically completed 4 additional years of specialty training. This includes a 1-year internship and a 3-year residency program in a particular practice area, i.e. Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Oncology, etc. To become board-certified, these candidates must also pass rigorous training and testing requirements. Graduates are called Diplomates.

How can I make an appointment to see a specialist?

In order to schedule an appointment, you must be referred by your veterinarian. Typically, they will call us to go over the medical information. Then, either you or your vet will schedule an appointment to see one of our doctors.

How do I get a referral?

If you are concerned about your pet’s health, please contact your primary veterinarian. He/she will determine the best course of action. If your veterinarian decides that a referral to our hospital is appropriate, your vet will then complete a referral form and ask you to contact us to make an appointment.

Why is my veterinarian referring me?

There are instances where your veterinarian may feel that your pet will require advanced diagnostics, intensive care and/or specialized treatments that he/she may not be equipped to provide. We are fortunate to be able to offer our patients special diagnostic options, consultations with other specialists, and 24 hour monitoring in an intensive care setting.

Will you talk to my veterinarian about my pet’s condition?

We feel that you, your veterinarian, and GCVS are all part of your pet’s health care team. Once we have seen your pet here at GCVS, we then fax/email information over to your veterinarian so that they can keep their medical records up to date. We also consult with your veterinarian by phone as needed throughout the course of your pet’s treatment.

What if my pet is currently seeing a doctor at GCVS and is having problems at home related to the condition for which he is being seen?

If you have concerns during our normal business hours, please contact the appropriate department at 713.693.1111. If a problem occurs outside of our normal business hours, please follow the instructions listed on the Urgent Care page.

May I visit my pet in the hospital?

Our goal is to ensure all patients undergo a smooth recovery. Please check with your client/patient coordinator to see if visitation of your pet is recommended.

Can GCVS be my pet’s family veterinary clinic/hospital?

In an effort to allow us to focus on the special needs of our patients, we do not provide routine care for your pet.